McFadden set last season, but with several setters on this year's roster, Cowan is eyeing her as the full-time libero.

"She's got a great attitude, she's a hard worker," Cowan said. "Her ball control is top-notch and she reads really well.

"She'll do a lot of great things for us."

Kryger has the right personality to make her a key emotional leader on the court.

"She's been working pretty hard," Cowan said.

"She's probably going to be one of our go-to hitters outside. She's very smart, and she's also got really good ball control."

Hamrock, who has club experience, looked good in the scrimmages. She's another solid option for the setters, but Cowan isn't yet sure if she'll line up at middle hitter, right-side hitter or outside.

The top newcomer going in is sophomore defensive specialist Mia Baumgartner, who also could end up swinging.

"The more hitters the better," Cowan said.

The Lions are in TAPPS District 5-4A with Cypress Christian, Lutheran South, Northland Christian, Second Baptist, Emery/Weiner, The Village School, Westbury Christian and Fort Bend Christian.

They opened the season Tuesday. They play Friday and Saturday in the Baytown Christian Invitational.

"What I'm looking for is for us to always get better, every single play, and for us to compete on every single play," Cowan said. "Communication is going to be key for this program, and putting a positive spin on everything. That will help us move these girls further on down the line."